As we approach October, we all recognize that we are in the final quarter of the year. Sure, that means a lot to folks in the business world, but it should also mean a lot to you on a personal level.
So often, we take the start of the year as a time to identify what we want to change about our lives and relationships in the coming year. Now there is nothing wrong with planning for a better tomorrow. However, there is definitely something wrong with just waiting for tomorrow when you can do something today.
You can change things. You can start the new year off in a better place instead of waiting for the new year to arrive before you take action.
If you have relationship issues or family concerns that need to be tackled, why would your purposely hold off on addressing those issues? Yes, I know the holidays can be crazy. Yes, I also know that the holiday to-do list is sometimes insane. But I also know that if something is truly a priority in your life, you make time for it.
Of course, this doesn’t mean that you can address all your marital problems in three short months. Unless your problems are relatively small in nature, that may not be realistic. But you can make progress in three months. You can change things. You can start the new year off in a better place instead of waiting for the new year to arrive before you take action.
If you have any of the relationship problems listed below, consider doing something about it now. Don’t wait. Don’t ride it out until the holidays are over. Do something. You won’t regret it, and your relationship will be stronger for it.
Here are 5 issues you need to address before this year ends.
Poor Communication
Communication issues are common but often go unaddressed. The problem with ignoring communication issues is that they can easily snowball into much larger issues, causing all kinds of problems in your marriage. Instead of waiting until January to address the poor communication occurring in your marriage, start addressing these issues now. Not only will it give you a head start when it comes to kicking off a great 2017, but it will also help you have a happy and peaceful holiday season.
Money Management Concerns
If you are having major issues in your marriage about money, you won’t address all of those issues in three months (and things could get especially tricky over the holidays).
However, entering another holiday season—a time where a lot of money is spent—is not something you want to do unless you make an effort to address what’s going on. Even if you firmly believe your spouse is causing your money troubles, don’t point fingers. Take a team approach, develop a common goal and get some outside help, so you can reach your financial goals while repairing any damage to your marriage.
Lack of Intimacy
Is your spouse no longer romantic? Do you feel like your sex life is not what it once was? Are you craving more affection and moments of intimacy in your marriage?
Start working on these things now. Once you establish that you are both still in love and you both want your marriage to last, you can begin working toward restoring the intimacy in your relationship.
It’s possible you won’t be able to do this alone, but that is okay. Get help. Seek counseling or therapy if you must, but do it now. Maybe you can start in October. Don’t wait another two to three months to do something. Your marriage deserves better.
Lack of Quality Time
Quality time with your spouse and your children is critical. If that is missing, it may be time to create new family rules in an attempt to get everyone to spend some much needed time with each other. Limit the use of devices. Plan family trips (a hike or a trip to the pumpkin farm is a nice idea).
Think about ways you can engage in community service as a family. Make this the year that you start new family traditions. The end of the year is a great time for connecting with the people you love most, so don’t wait for the new year to address an issue that is possibly hurting your marriage and your family more than anything else.
Health Concerns
Whether it’s a mental health issue or an issue with your physical health, address it today. Waiting will only hurt you and your marriage. Health issues have a tremendous impact on how we feel and how we interact with the people we love. When we neglect taking care of ourselves, our relationships hurt. You can get a head start on your health and improve your marriage long before everyone screams “Happy New Year!.”
BMWK family, what do you plan to do to improve your relationship before the year ends?